Kushal Malla Returns to Nepal Squad for 2026 Asian Games

Kushal Malla is back in Nepal’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games, giving the team another left-hand batting option and a useful all-rounder for the T20 competition.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has named a 15-member team for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya. Dipendra Singh Airee will lead the side, with Malla included alongside several of Nepal’s senior players.

Nepal Asian Games Squad

Nepal’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games is:

• Dipendra Singh Airee (captain)
• Rohit Kumar Paudel
• Sompal Kami
• Karan KC
• Sandeep Lamichhane
• Aarif Sheikh
• Aasif Sheikh
• Kushal Bhurtel
• Lalit Rajbanshi
• Gulsan Kumar Jha
• Nandan Yadav
• Lokesh Bam
• Sundeep Jora
• Sher Malla
• Kushal Malla

The group combines experience with attacking T20 players. Malla’s return adds to Nepal’s power-hitting options in the middle order.

Why Malla’s Return Matters

Kushal Malla is listed as a batting all-rounder and has already featured in Nepal’s T20 plans this year. He was included in the squad for the Asian Games qualifier in Singapore, along with fellow hard hitters Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam.

His role gives Nepal more flexibility. He can contribute with the bat and provide another bowling option when required.

Malla was also selected for Nepal A’s Top End T20 campaign in Australia. The tournament was viewed as useful preparation for players hoping to make Nepal’s final Asian Games squad.

Airee to Lead Nepal

Dipendra Singh Airee will captain Nepal at the Asian Games. He will have several experienced players around him, including Rohit Paudel, Sompal Kami, Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane.

The squad also features wicketkeeper-batters Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel, while Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam and Sundeep Jora add depth to the batting group.

Nepal’s bowling attack includes Lamichhane, Kami, KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Nandan Yadav and the two Malla brothers.

Nepal’s Asian Games Campaign

The 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The men’s competition features 10 teams. Nepal will start in the preliminary stage before the knockout rounds.

Nepal’s squad has been selected with the T20 format in mind. Players such as Malla, Jora and Bam give the team the ability to score quickly, while Lamichhane and the seam-bowling all-rounders add variety.

For Malla, the tournament is another chance to make an impact on a major international stage after returning to Nepal’s senior setup.

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